Our Story
“What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up – like a raisin in the sun?”
- Langston Hughes
Friends and family –old and new,
If you’ve known me over the years, you’ve likely seen me wear quite a few hats.
Maybe you knew me in grade school—as class president, or during my internships at The Philadelphia Daily News, GlaxoSmithKline, and Power 99FM.
If we met in undergrad while I was studying Communications and Media, then you might remember Record Holders—the student-run music promotions group at Temple University that helped young artists record and share their music long before social media had legs.
You may know me from my time in the U.S. Navy, where I served as Petty Officer 3rd Class (OS4 Hines), with Crew Bulwark and Naval Station, Ingleside – rising from E-1 to E-4 in just 10 months, driven by a deep commitment to honor, courage, and commitment.
Some of you knew me at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, where I earned Best of Quarter eight times as an Advertising major, and began my journey as an independent brand strategist for local artists, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
Maybe you remember me as the Marketing and Events Coordinator at Penn’s Landing, or as Management Analyst for the Department Contracts and Acquisitions at the Department of the Navy’s NAVSEA.
Or maybe we crossed paths later—when I moved from Philly to the Philippines and helped pioneer Burlesque events, DJ’d dope parties with Joey and Antoine, and co-hosted a mainstream hip-hop radio show in Manila under the Dopeloco brand with Nya and Ian.
You might know me as a classmate or fellow graduate student from Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management—where I placed Top 3 Globally in the Ras Al Khaima Adventure Sports Tourism competition.
Or you may even as the creative mind behind the Olde City Day School “Kids Do More” campaign.
Perhaps you worked with me during my time as Program Director of the Philadelphia Global Identity Partnership, or as the founder of my short-lived but ambitious tech startup, MetroDAO.
And just maybe – we became friends somewhere in the Philippines, Costa Rica, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, Jamaica, Istanbul, Croatia, Ukraine, Montenegro, Bosnia, Peru, Ethiopia, the UAE, Mexico, or Vietnam while traveling, and exploring the world.
Wherever and however our paths crossed, I want to thank you for being part of those stories and the next chapters to come.
- Dyshaun Hines - Founder, Casa de Dope Loco
Today, I’m proud to introduce the next chapter—a DREAM rooted in everything I’ve done, learned, and lived.
Casa de Dope Loco.
A boutique hostel, café, and co-working space designed for remote professionals, adventurous travelers, families, and retreats seeking a vacation that balances serenity, excitement, and productive escape.
Located in the Dominican Republic, just a short flight from the East Coast and Southern U.S., Casa de Dope Loco offers a customizable experience: peaceful when you need rest, energetic when you want to play, and inspiring when it’s time to work.
This is more than a business. It’s a lifestyle, a dream, and a home for those seeking freedom and connection.
I’m asking for your support—your energy, your encouragement, your investment—as I bring this space to life.
Here’s how you can help:
Sign up for our mailing list to get updates, early access perks, and special giveaways.
If you feel moved to contribute financially, your support won’t go unnoticed—we’ll make sure your future stay is tailored with love and appreciation.
At Casa de Dope Loco, you can Sleep, Eat, Play, Work, and Live —turn it up or wind it down, just as you please.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s realize a dream together.